Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The other factor that is deserving of mention is that our local authorities are populated by directly elected representatives and by and large they, of all political hues, would be angered about the point that Mr. Kelleher made about moneys earmarked for a local public project having to go back. They are another break on people entrusted and employed within the system, ensuring that the system is fit for purpose and that there is no leak and no transgression relating to data protection. I would have confidence in the overwhelming body of directly elected local representatives that they themselves would be as eager as we would to have the highest standards apply.

On the other matter, I asked the Data Protection Commissioner, DPC, questions here last week. Be it commissioner or commission, as the case might be subsequent to this legislation, it is apparent from her responses and all I have read that she is and would be accountable to all Oireachtas committees as the case might be. Is there not, in the normal situation, and one could identify any number of other public bodies with certain responsibilities, a natural direction with regard to accountability and coming before committees? On head 13, does it need to clarify the Oireachtas committee to which the DPC would be accountable after the passage of the legislation?